Pedrosa won't race in Malaysia

A disappointed Dani Pedrosa has conceded that he will not race at Sepang this weekend - but the Repsol Honda star is fully-focussed on a return to fitness for Phillip Island a week later.

Repsol Honda star Dani Pedrosa has reluctantly been forced to concede defeat in his bid to rejoin the MotoGP grid for this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix, and has instead turned his efforts towards a return to full fitness in the Australian Grand Prix a week later.

Pedrosa suffered a multiple fracture to his left collarbone last Friday on the third lap of the first free practice session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, and the following day underwent successful surgery to have a titanium plate fitted at the USP Dexeus clinic in Barcelona.

Whilst the Spaniard has endeavoured to recover in time for Sepang, the condition of his collarbone, the bruises he received in the fall and the lack of strength in his left arm and shoulder have forced him to take the difficult decision of postponing his comeback.

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Only yesterday, the 25-year-old - whose current second position in the riders' standings is beginning to come under threat from in-form Ducati rival and 2011 team-mate Casey Stoner due to his absence - maintained that there remained a slim chance that he might yet be able to make the journey from Spain to Malaysia to get back on his Honda RC212V [see separate story - click here], but after careful consideration, he has now elected to continue his rehabilitation at home in preparation for an anticipated return at Phillip Island.

Repsol Honda has confirmed that Pedrosa will not be replaced for Sepang, leaving Andrea Dovizioso to fly the factory Honda outfit's colours on his own.